Lakers News: Pau Gasol Expected Back in Lineup Within 2 Weeks

Pau Gasol has been sidelined with an injured foot for nearly two months, and there’s no question the Lakers are missing his contributions on the court. After the team suffered an embarrassing loss on Monday, there’s no question the team needs Gasol and Kobe Bryant back as soon as possible.

There’s no question that the Lakers have missed Gasol’s productivity since he’s been out, and the defense especially has suffered without a second big man in the paint besides Dwight Howard. Gasol’s presence is sure to improve the defense as well as the team’s offense, which struggled in Monday’s loss to the Suns.

Without Gasol the Lakers clearly lack the size and strength inside to remain tough defensively when Howard is on the bench. Phoenix out-rebounded the Lakers 55-45 without Gasol on Monday, even with Howard and Earl Clark combining for 21 rebounds.